Deckle board system support assembly, control assembly, and/or actuation assembly

ABSTRACT

A deckle board system comprising: (a) one or more deckle boards; (b) one or more shower systems; (c) a stand assembly that supports both the one or more deckle board and the one or more shower systems, the stand assembly including: (i) a vertical stand and (ii) a horizontal stand; and (d) one or more actuators connected to the vertical stand, the horizontal stand, or both; and wherein at least one of the one or more actuators is automated so that the at least one of the one or more actuators actuates the vertical stand, the horizontal stand, or both.

FIELD

The present teachings relate to an improved deckle board system with a support assembly, actuation assembly, and control assembly to reduce a deckled edge variation.

BACKGROUND

Typically, fourdrinier paper machines include a wet end with a wire that moves in a machine direction. The wire has a width and stock is applied substantially along the entire width of the wire. A deckle may be used on both edges of the wire to retain substantially all of the stock on the wire. Deckle boards are used to create an edge on a paper machine and to retain stock, water, fines, filler, or a combination thereof on the wire of the paper machine. Some paper machines include a static board that sits on an edge of the wire and prevents stock from exiting the wire from the cross machine direction. Other systems use water to cut the stock and/or slightly dried stock to form an edge on the wire. However, removing stock from the edges decreasing the width of the paper machine resulting in less tons per hour being run. Further, pushing the stock along the cross machine direction may result in an uneven formation along the edges and even towards the center of the sheet so that the sheet includes inconsistencies, which may lead to edges and/or paper being rejected. Pushing stock from the edges of the paper machine may result in waves being sent from one side of the paper machine towards the other side of the paper machine.

Examples of devices for deckling edges of paper are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 1,712,632; 2,305,300; 3,607,624; 4,738,751 and 4,968,387; U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0225897 and U.S. Ser. No. 15/155,252 filed on May 16, 2016 all of which are expressly incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. Thus, there is a need for a device that allows users to monitor and control the deckle system from the paper machine or a location remote to the paper machine to ensure proper function of the deckle system. What is needed is a device that removes the deckle system from the wet end so that the wire can be changed without interference or damage to the deckle system. What is needed is a monitoring system that automatically controls the deckle system. What is needed is a monitoring system that allows a user to remotely control the deckle system. What is needed is a shower that creates a boundary layer along both a face and a rear side of a deckle board so that boundary waves are not created at the along the deckle board. What is needed is a deckle board that is flexible and can be moved from a planar shape to a curved shape without damage to the deckle board.

SUMMARY

One possible embodiment of the present teachings provide deckle board system comprising: (a) one or more deckle boards; (b) one or more shower systems; (c) a stand assembly that supports both the one or more deckle board and the one or more shower systems, the stand assembly including: (i) a vertical stand and (ii) a horizontal stand; and (d) one or more actuators connected to the vertical stand, the horizontal stand, or both; and wherein at least one of the one or more actuators is automated so that the at least one of the one or more actuators actuates the vertical stand, the horizontal stand, or both.

The present teachings provide a deckle board system comprising: (a) one or more deckle boards; (b) one or more shower systems; (c) one or more stand assemblies that supports both the one or more deckle board and the one or more shower systems, and (d) one or more support assemblies that support the one or more deckle board, one or more shower systems, or both at a location off of a paper machine so that the one or more deckle board, the one or more shower systems, or both are movable from an assembled position to a maintenance position.

The present teachings provide: a deckle board system comprising: (a) one or more deckle boards; (b) one or more shower systems; (c) one or more stand assemblies that supports both the one or more deckle board and the one or more shower systems, the stand assembly including: (i) a vertical stand (ii) a horizontal stand; (iii) one or more observation slots in the vertical stand, the horizontal stand, or both.

The present teachings provide: a deckle board system comprising: (a) one or more deckle boards including: (i) a stock side and (ii) a non-stock side; and (b) one or more shower systems including: (i) one or more nozzles that produce a front spray that sprays a stock side; (ii) one or more nozzles that produce a rear spray that sprays a non-stock side.

The present teachings provide: a deckle board system comprising: (a) one or more deckle boards; (b) one or more shower systems; wherein the one or more deckle boards are fiberglass.

The present teachings provide: a deckle board system comprising: (a) one or more deckle boards; (b) one or more shower systems; and (c) a monitoring system; wherein the monitoring system monitors edges of a wet end of a paper machine proximate to the one or more deckle boards so that upon monitoring a predetermined condition an indication is provided.

The present teachings provide: a method comprising: moving a deckle board system from an assembled position to a maintenance position while at least a portion of the deckle board system is connected to a paper machine.

The present teachings provide: a method of the teachings herein, wherein the method includes a step of actuating the one or more actuators of the teachings herein, moving the one or more support assembles of the teachings herein, observing the observation slots of any of the teachings herein, moving the swivel nozzles of the teachings herein, monitoring a paper machine with the monitoring system of the teachings herein, or a combination thereof.

The present teachings provide one or more of the following: wherein the at least one of the one or more actuators are an electric motor, a pneumatic motor, hydraulic motor, or a combination thereof; wherein the at least one of the one or more actuators are a stepper motor; wherein the at least one of the one or more actuators have a rotary to linear component are connected to a threaded member, or both; wherein the one or more actuators are in communication with controls; wherein the controls are located on the one or more actuators so that a user can actuate the actuators from a position proximate to a paper machine; wherein the controls are located on a computer system so that the one or more actuators can be actuated from a location remote to a paper machine; wherein the actuator is capable of moving the deckle board in increments of 5 mm or less, 3 mm or less, or 1 mm or less upon each movement; wherein the one or more observation slots extends through a wall of the horizontal stand, the vertical stand, or both so that internal components of the horizontal stand, the vertical stand, or both are visible, can be cleaned, can be lubricated, or a combination thereof without disassembly of the horizontal stand, the vertical stand, or both; wherein the vertical stand, the horizontal stand, or both include an inner tube and an outer tube and the one or more observations slots extend through the outer tube so that the inner tube is visible, extend through the inner tube so that internal components are visible, or both; wherein the stand assembly is connected to one or more actuators and the one or more observation slots permit access to the mechanism actuated by the one or more actuators; wherein the one or more observation slots permit fluid, stock, or both to be cleaned from the one or more stand assemblies; The deckle board system may use one or more of the actuators taught herein and/or one or more of the support assemblies taught herein; wherein the one or more nozzles swivel between producing the front spray and the rear spray; wherein the one or more nozzle alternate having the front spray and the rear spray along a machine direction of the one or more shower systems; wherein the deckle board system includes the one or more actuators taught herein, the one or more support assemblies taught herein, the observation slots taught herein, or a combination thereof; wherein the one or more deckle boards include a seal strip that extends from the one or more deckle boards; wherein the one or more seal strips are made of Teflon; wherein the deckle board system includes the one or more actuators taught herein, the one or more support assemblies taught herein, the observation slots of taught herein, the swivel nozzles taught herein, or a combination thereof; wherein the monitoring system is connected to a control system; wherein the monitoring system is connected directly to one or more actuators, or indirectly connected to the one or more actuators via a control system; wherein the monitoring system monitors in a machine direction, the cross-machine direction, a direction opposite the machine direction, or a combination thereof; wherein the monitoring system includes one or more cameras, one or more wave sensors, one or more height sensors, one or more gloss sensors, or a combination thereof; wherein the method includes a step of removing a lock; wherein the lock is a pin, are fasteners, are rotatable locks, or a combination thereof; wherein the method includes a step of rotating a pivot plate relative to a connection plate; wherein the deckle board system includes a support assembly that is moved to a maintenance position wherein the support assembly supports the deckle board system; wherein the method includes a step of moving a support leg about a support pivot so that the support leg is movable between a assembled position and a maintenance position; wherein the method includes a step of actuating the one or more actuators taught herein, moving the one or more support assembles taught herein, observing the observation slots taught herein, moving the swivel nozzles taught herein, monitoring a paper machine with the monitoring system taught herein, or a combination thereof; or a combination of the features taught herein.

The present teachings provide a device that allows users to monitor and control the deckle system from the paper machine or a location remote to the paper machine to ensure proper function of the deckle system. The present teachings provide a device that removes the deckle system from the wet end so that the wire can be changed without interference or damage to the deckle system. The present teachings provide a monitoring system that automatically controls the deckle system. The present teachings provide a monitoring system that allows a user to remotely control the deckle system. The present teachings provide a shower that creates a boundary layer along both a face and a rear side of a deckle board so that boundary waves are not created at the along the deckle board. The present teachings provide a deckle board that is flexible and can be moved from a planar shape to a curved shape without damage to the deckle board.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a side of a paper machine including a deckle board system and a monitoring system;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a deckle board system;

FIG. 3A is a perspective view of a deckle board system connected to a frame with the deckle board system being in the installed position;

FIG. 3B is a perspective view of the deckle board system in a maintenance position where the deckle board system is connected to the frame and is resting on the catwalk;

FIG. 4A illustrates a side of a stand assembly including a support assembly in the installed position;

FIG. 4B illustrates a side of a stand assembly including a support assembly in the maintenance position;

FIG. 5 is a close-up view of the horizontal stand of FIG. 4A with observation slots connected to an actuator;

FIG. 6 is a close-up view of the connection stand of FIG. 4A in the installed position;

FIG. 7 is a close-up view of the connection stand in the maintenance position;

FIG. 8 illustrates a stand assembly in the installed position;

FIG. 9 illustrates the stand assembly of FIG. 8 in the maintenance position;

FIG. 10 illustrates a stand assembly including observation slots and attached to a connection stand;

FIG. 11 illustrates a close-up view of the connection stand of FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 illustrates an exploded view of the connection stand and stand assembly; and

FIG. 13 illustrates a stand assembly and support assembly connected to a paper machine.

FIG. 14 is a top view of the wet end of a paper machine with the deckle boards diverging.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The explanations and illustrations presented herein are intended to acquaint others skilled in the art with the invention, its principles, and its practical application. Those skilled in the art may adapt and apply the invention in its numerous forms, as may be best suited to the requirements of a particular use. Accordingly, the specific embodiments of the present invention as set forth are not intended as being exhaustive or limiting of the teachings. The scope of the teachings should, therefore, be determined not with reference to the above description, but should instead be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. The disclosures of all articles and references, including patent applications and publications, are incorporated by reference for all purposes. Other combinations are also possible as will be gleaned from the following claims, which are also hereby incorporated by reference into this written description.

The present teachings are predicated upon providing an improved deckle system for a paper machine, and preferably a fourdrinier paper machine. The paper machine taught herein may be any paper machine that functions to create paper. The paper machine may be any style and/or type that forms paper with a deckled edge. The paper machine includes a head box that applies stock in a wet end. The head box may be gravity fed, pressurized, or both. The head box may function to apply stock to a wet end, above a breast roll, or both. The head box may function to apply stock to a forming board. The head box may apply stock proximate to a breast roll and a forming board.

The breast roll may be the first roll of the wet end (i.e., at the head box end), may assist in formation, may remove water from the stock, or a combination thereof. The breast roll may be the lead roll in a wet end. The wet end may function to receive stock and dewater stock. The wet end may have one or more and preferably a plurality of foil sections. The foil sections may each include one or more foils and preferably a plurality of foils. The foils may be height adjustable, angle adjustable, fixed, or a combination thereof. The foil sections may include one or more forming boards. The forming boards may be part of a forming board section. The forming board section may include height adjustable foils, angle adjustable foils, fixed foils, or a combination thereof. The wet end includes edges in a cross-machine direction. The wet end may have a wire that travels in a machine direction with stock and the stock is dewatered as the wire moves in the machine direction. Preferably, the wet end includes an endless wire that travels in a machine direction. The width of the wire may extend in the cross-machine direction. The wet end may have opposing edges that may have stock that runs along a cross-machine direction and falls off the wire. The wet end may end with a couch roll (i.e., couch roll end) that functions to wrap the wire and guide the wire in a direction opposite the machine direction so that an endless wire is formed. The couch roll may function to dewater. The couch roll may end the wet end. The couch roll may assist in guiding a sheet from the wet end into a press section.

The wet end may include a breast roll arm, a main frame, one or more end plates, one or more foil sections, one or more forming boards, one or more couch rolls, or a combination thereof. The main frame may be static and may connect the wet end of the paper machine to the ground. The main frame may be the bulk of the paper machine. The main frame may function to support all of the other elements of the paper machine, the wet end, or both. The main frame may support a pair of opposing breast roll arms, a plurality of end plates, or both. The end plates may connect the foil sections within the paper machine, may form an edge of the wire, or both. The end plates may be connected to the breast roll arm, the main frame, or both. The breast roll may be vertically movable, rotationally movable, or both. The deckle system may be connected to the breast roll arm, the main frame, or both. The deckle system may be connected to the breast roll arm, the main frame, or both and prevent stock from traveling in the cross machine direction.

A deckle board system (or deckle system) may prevent stock from falling off the wire in the cross-machine direction. The deckle system may function to maintain a straight edge of stock on a wire. The deckle system may function to maintain a substantially constant caliper, basis weight, or both in the cross-machine direction of the paper machine. The deckle board system may include one or more deckle boards, one or more shower systems, or both for maintaining an edge of the stock, the paper, or both in a line, for creating a substantially constant basis weight, a constant caliper, a constant fiber orientation, a random fiber orientation, or a combination thereof in the cross-machine direction. Preferably, the deckle board system includes one or more deckle boards on each side of the wet end that extend substantially the length of the wet end (e.g., from the head box to the couch roll).

The one or more deckle boards have a stock side and a non-stock side. The one or more deckle boards may contact the stock so that as the wire passes along the deckle boards sides maintain the stock on the wire. Preferably, the stock side of the deckle boards is free of contact with stock due to a boundary layer of shower water, a boundary layer of turbulence, or both. The one or more deckle boards may be substantially linear, substantially planar, or both along their length. Preferably, the deckle boards or portions of the deckle boards are free of warp and/or non-linear portions due to thermal expansion. The one or more deckle boards may be made of any material that is resistant to corrosion, abrasion, or both by stock. The deckle board may be made of fiberglass or include fiberglass. The one or more deckle boards may be made of and/or include metal, plastic, natural materials, synthetic materials, nylon, nylon 6, delrin, ceramic, polyurethane, low density polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, or a combination thereof. Preferably, the one or more deckle boards may be made of polyethylene (UHMW-PE). The one or more deckle boards may be made of a material that expands and/or contracts due to thermal expansion. Preferably, the material of the deckle boards is substantially free of thermal expansion. The coefficient of linear thermal expansion of the deckle boards may be about 300 (10⁻⁶ m/(m K)) or less, about 250 (10⁻⁶ m/(m K)) or less, preferably about 200 (10⁻⁶ m/(m K)), or even about 150 (10⁻⁶ m/(m K)) or less. The one or more deckle boards may be expandable and/or contractible within the deckle board system so that the deckle boards are free of resistance and maintain a linear configuration and/or planar configuration. The one or more deckle boards may include one or more head box attachments that retain the deckle board substantially static and/or allow for thermal expansion in the machine direction as the deckle boards expand and contract.

The one or more head box attachments may function to locate the deckle board system, one or more shower systems, or both in the machine direction. The one or more head box attachments may prevent movement of the deckle board system in the machine direction. The one or more head box attachments may allow the deckle board system to thermally expand. The one or more head box attachments may provide one longitudinal connection point for the deckle board system. The one or more head box attachments may be located at a head box end of the deckle board system. The one or more head box attachments may anchor the deckle board system to the head box. The one or more head box attachments may align the deckle board with the wet end so that the deckle boards create a deckle edge. The one or more deckle boards may include one or more chamfers.

The one or more deckle boards may include one or more chamfers on the stock side, the non-stock side, or both. The one or more chamfers may have any angle so that a boundary layer is interrupted, a boundary layer is prevented, turbulence is created, or a combination thereof. The angle of the chamfer may be sufficient so that a boundary layer is interrupted, a boundary layer is prevented, turbulence is created, or a combination thereof. The angle may be sufficient so that any movement of stock (e.g., waves) in the cross-machine direction is dampened, eliminated, not reflected back in the machine direction, angled downward so that the stock movement is eliminated, or a combination thereof. The one or more chamfers may be a plurality of chamfers that the sum of the angles form one of the angles discussed herein. The one or more deckle boards may be straight and may be angle adjustable.

The deckle board, associated parts holding the deckle board in place, or both may adjust the angle of the deckle board relative to the plane of the wet end, vertical, or both. The angle adjustment of the deckle board may function to create a straight deckled edge, prevent cross-machine movement of stock, maintain a constant caliper, maintain a constant basis weight, create turbulence, or a combination thereof. The angle of the deckle board may be adjusted so that the angle of a stock side face of the deckle board from vertical is sufficient so that a boundary layer is interrupted, a boundary layer is prevented, turbulence is created, or a combination thereof. The one or more deckle boards may include a smooth surface, a surface with a microstructure, or both on the stock side, the non-stock side, or both.

The microstructure may function to eliminate laminar flow across the face of the deckle board. The microstructure may function to eliminate stock build up. The microstructure may function to create a boundary layer so that a substantially constant basis weight, caliper, or both are generated proximate to the deckle board. The microstructure may be any structure that functions to create eddies along the machine direction when the stock contacts the stock side of the one or more deckle boards. The microstructure may be microscopic indentations within a surface of the deckle board. The microstructure is a plurality of indentations in the surface of the deckle board. Preferably, the microstructure may be thousands of indentations or more, tens of thousands of indentations or more, hundreds of thousands of indentations or more, or even millions of indentations or more in the surface of a deckle board. The microstructure may be a plurality of recesses in the deckle board that some of the stock extends into so that turbulence is transmitted to the stock and the stock continues to move along the paper machine with the wire. The microstructure may be a repeating pattern, a striped pattern, an irregular pattern, a changing pattern based upon the distance from the head box, or a combination thereof. The microstructure may extend the entire length of the deckle board. The deckle board may be free of any smooth portions. The microstructure may have a shape formed into the surface of the deckle board that is round, dimples, through holes, a recess, square, octagonal, pentagonal, a nonagon, a polygon, or a combination thereof. For example, the microscope indentations may have a geometric shape such that the surface is not planar and upon contacting a fluid the fluid is moved by the microscopic indentations within the surface of the deckle board. The microstructure may be a three-dimensional indentation in the deckle board. The microstructure may be indentations in the stock side surface of the deckle board. The microstructure may be features on the face of the deckle board that prevent a buildup of stock. The microstructure may be concave, a recess, curve inward, or a combination thereof in to a surface of the deckle board. The deckle board may appear to be substantially planar to the naked eye. The deckle board may appear dimpled to the naked eye. The microstructure may only be visible under a microscope. The microstructure may be visible to the naked eye. The deckle board my “feel” substantially smooth to the touch. The deckle board may “feel” like sandpaper when touched. The microstructure may be in vertical rows (i.e., perpendicular to the machine direction), horizontal rows (i.e., along the machine direction), extend diagonally (i.e., in a vertical and horizontal direction), be entirely random, or a combination thereof. The microstructure may be convex, a projection, curve outward, or a combination thereof. The microstructure may be free of any linear segments. The microstructure may include a plurality of arc segments, curves, geometric figures, symmetrical shapes, or a combination thereof that create eddies in the stock. The microstructures may be located on an opposite side of the deckle board as the guide groove.

The one or more guide grooves may function to allow the deckle board to expand and contract. The one or more guide grooves may function to allow the one or more deckle boards to expand in the machine direction. The one or more guide grooves may retain the deckle boards within the wet end, the paper machine, or both. The one or more guide grooves may function to permit rotational movement of the deckle board. The one or more guide grooves may function to permit the deckle board to form a connection with a stand, a connection piece, or both at virtually any location. The one or more guide grooves may be located on a non-stock side of the deckle board, a top of the deckle board, or both. The one or more guide grooves may be any shape so that a connector piece is retained within the guide groove. The guide groove may be one solid piece. The guide groove may have one or more pieces that are connected with a fastener. The guide groove may be generally “T” shaped. The one or more guide grooves may include T-interruption grooves, T-slot grooves, or both. The guide grooves may include one or more T-slots and one or more T-interruptions. Preferably, the guide grooves include a plurality of T-slots and a plurality of T-interruptions. The guide groove may include one continuous T-slot. The guide groove may be free of T-interruptions. The T-slot may function to retain a connection device so that a fixed connection is formed. The T-slot may prevent the deckle board from being removed from a stand assembly, an adjustment bracket, or both. The T-slot portion may include a lip or flange that retains one or more components within the channel of the T-slot. The T-interruptions may be a recess in the guide grooves that permits removal from the stand assembly, the adjustment bracket, or both. The T-interruptions may be a gap in the T-slot where a lip or flange is not formed that extends over a recess, over a connection component, or both. The T-interruptions may function to allow the deckle board to be removed without having to slide the deckle board or connections with the deckle board the entire length of the wet end and/or deckle board. For example, if a deckle board is being replaced the locking portion of an adjustment device only needs to be moved from a T-slot to a T-interruption to remove the adjustment device from the deckle board. Preferably, the guide grooves include a plurality of T-slots and a plurality of T-interruptions, and more preferably the plurality of T-slots and the plurality of T-interruptions are alternating. The one or more guide grooves may include a plurality of through holes for forming a connection. The guide grooves may maintain the deckle board above the forming section, the wet end, the wire, the foil section, or a combination thereof. The guide grooves may maintain the deckle board above the wire so that the deckle board, the seal strip, or both function to create a deckled edge, eddies, or both. The guide grooves may function to create a quick connection, quick release, or both. The guide grooves, T-slot, or both may be located in other components of the deckle board.

The deckle board may function to create one or more edges of paper on the paper machine. The deckle board may substantially retain all of the stock (i.e., fiber, water, filler, and/or chemicals) within the wet end of the paper machine. The deckle board may create a straight edge. One or more of the deckle boards may extend in the machine direction. One or more of the deckle boards may extend outward at an angle relative to the machine direction. The one or more deckle boards may extend outward as the deckle boards extend in the machine direction such that the cross-machine direction gradually increases in the machine direction. The deckle boards on opposing sides of the paper machine may extend away from each other (i.e., diverge). The deckle boards may be linear, curved, stepped, linear segments with changing slopes, or a combination thereof. For example, the two deckle boards may extend outward so that the two deckle boards form a “V” shape. In another example, the deckle boards may extend outward and form generally two back to back “J” shapes. The deckle boards may be pliable so that the deckle boards generally curve as the deckle boards extend in the machine direction. A slope of the deckle boards may vary from vertical stand to vertical stand (e.g., from segment to segment). A slope of a first segment may be the same as a slope of a second segment. Downstream segments of the deckle board may increase in slope relative to the slope of the first segment, the second segment, or both. The first segment, the second segment, or both may have a slope that is substantially undefined (i.e., rise=a value and run=0) (e.g., a slope that is generally parallel to the machine direction (e.g., slope within about 0.5 or less, about 0.3 or less, or about 0.1 or less from an undefined slope). A slope of the first segment, the second segment or both may be indefinite (i.e., parallel to the machine direction), about 6000 or less, about 4000 or less, about 2000 or less, about 1000, or less, or about 100 or less. The second segment, third segment, fourth segment, fifth segment, a subsequent segment, or a combination thereof may have a slope of about 1000 or less, about 500 or less, about 100 or less, about 50 or less, or about 25 or less. The third segment, fourth segment, fifth segment, a subsequent segment, or a combination thereof may have a slope of about may have a slope of about 500 or less, about 100 or less, about 50 or less, about 25 or less, about 10 or less. The fourth segment, fifth segment, a subsequent segment, or a combination thereof may have a slope of about may have a slope of about 100 or less, about 50 or less, about 25 or less, about 10 or less, about 5 or less, about 3 or less. The slope from segment to segment may vary buy about 100 or less, about 50 or less, about 25 or less, or even about 10 or less. A change in slope may increase as the deckle board extends in the machine direction. For example, the amount the deckle board curves outwards may increase as the deckle board extends in the machine direction, thus increasing the rate of change of the slope. For example, a change in slope between the second segment and the third segment may be about 3 and the change in slope between the third segment and the fourth segment may be about 15. The slope may vary within a segment. The slope at a beginning of a segment to an end of a segment may vary by about 100 or less, about 50 or less, about 25 or less, or about 10 or less. The slope may vary within a segment. The slope at a beginning of a segment to an end of a segment may vary by about 0.1 or more, about 0.5 or more, about 1 or more, or about 5 or more. Preferably, the deckle board curves in the machine direction as the deckle board extends away from the head box so that the deckle board has an exponential curve (i.e., the curve of the deckle board increases at a greater rate as the deckle board extends away from the head box). The slopes of the segments may become larger as the segments extend away from the headbox, thus, the first segment may be less than all subsequent segments, the second segment may be the same as or greater than the first segment, the third segment may be the same as or greater than the first segment and the second segment, and so on. The deckle board may include a deckle board clamp, a seal clamp, a plurality of fasteners, one or more seal strips, one or more covers, one or more head box attachments, one or more fastener baskets, or a combination thereof. Preferably, the deckle board includes a deckle board clamp and a seal strip clamp that hold a seal strip in place and the deckle board clamp and the seal strip clamp are connected together by a plurality of fasteners. The deckle board clamp and the seal clamp may apply a force on the seal strip that retains the seal strip within the deckle board. The deckle board may include a single fastener that retains the seal strip within the deckle board. Preferably, the deckle board may include a connection fastener that prevents longitudinal movement of the seal strip (i.e., movement in the machine direction). The deckle board may include a plurality of pressure fasteners along the length of the deckle board that retains the seal strip between the deckle board clamp and the seal strip clamp.

The deckle board clamp may function as a gripping feature to retain a seal strip within the deckle board. The deckle board clamp may function to permit longitudinal movement of the seal strip relative to the deckle board due to thermal expansion or vice versa. The deckle board clamp may resist lateral movement of the seal strip (i.e., down towards the wire, forming section, and/or paper machine). The deckle board clamp may be a portion of the deckle board on the non-stock side that forms one wall of a pinch point that retains the seal strip within the deckle board. The deckle board clamp may be integrally connected to a seal strip clamp. The deckle board clamp and seal strip clamp may be connected together one or more and preferably a plurality of fasteners.

The seal strip clamp may function as a gripping feature to retain a seal strip within a deckle board. The seal strip clamp may function to permit longitudinal movement of the seal strip relative to the deckle board due to thermal expansion or vice versa. The seal strip clamp may resist lateral movement of the seal strip (i.e., down towards the wire, forming section, and/or paper machine). The seal strip clamp may be a discrete piece that is connected to the deckle board, the deckle board clamp, or both. The seal strip clamp may be a wall that opposes the deckle board clamp and retains a seal strip within the deckle board. The seal strip clamp may be a solid piece. The seal strip clamp may be a hollow piece. The seal strip clamp may include one or more internal pockets, one or more fastener baskets, or both. The one or more fastener baskets may connect to the deckle board, a fastener, or both and retain all or a portion of the fastener within the deckle board system. The one or more fastener baskets may function to prevent fastener pieces from falling into the paper machine. The one or more fastener baskets may perform one or more of the functions of the internal pockets. The internal pockets may be a recess, an absence of material, an opens space, or a combination thereof. The internal pockets may house one or more fasteners. The internal pockets may house a plurality of fasteners. The internal pockets may prevent debris, fluid, stock, fiber, filler, chemicals, or a combination thereof from contacting all or a portion of the fasteners. The internal pocket may prevent all or a portion of the fasteners if they become loose from falling into the paper machine, the wet end, on the wire, or a combination thereof. The internal pocket may retain a nut, a washer, a threaded member, a lock washer, or a combination thereof to maintain them in a clean environment and prevent loss of these pieces. The seal strip clamp may include one or more guide grooves, T-slots, or both so that one or more covers may be removed and the fasteners accessed. The one or more guide grooves may allow a cover to be snapped in place, slid in place, partially snapped in place and partially slid in place, or a combination thereof.

The one or more covers may function to block one portion of an internal pocket. The one or more covers may function to be a removable piece so that an internal pocket may be accessed. The one or more covers may be a solid piece that prevents debris, water, stock, chemicals, filler, fines, or a combination thereof from entering the internal pocket. The one or more covers may assist in enclosing the internal pocket so that all of the components within the internal pocket are retained within the internal pocket. The internal pocket and cover may house a plurality of fasteners, one or more connection fasteners, a plurality of pressure fasteners, or a combination thereof so that the seal strip clamp, the seal strip, or both are connected to the deckle board clamp.

The seal strip may function to form a seal between the deckle board and the wire. The seal strip may be the only portion of the deckle board system to be in contact with the wire of the wet end. The seal strip may be made of any material that may form a seal with the wire, the foils, or both. The seal strip may function to create a low surface energy material barrier. The seal strip may function to prevent stock build up, prevent laminar flow, or both. The seal strip may be compliant so that the seal strip moves with angle adjustable foil blades, height adjustable foil blades, or both and prevents stock from passing under the seal strip. The seal strip may move with the foils as the foils are adjusted so that stock is retained on the wire. The seal strip may be a low friction material. The seal strip may be made of polytetrafluoroethylene, coated with polytetrafluoroethylene, include polytetrafluoroethylene, or a combination thereof. The seal strip may include a plurality of slots. The plurality of slots may function to connect the seal strip within the deckle board. The plurality of slots may function to allow for expansion, contraction, or both of the seal strip. The plurality of slots may include one or more connection slots and one or more expansion slots.

The connection slots function to prevent the seal strip from being removed from the deckle board, entirely moved in the machine direction, or both. The connection slot may allow for a fastener to extend through the seal strip. Preferably, the seal strip includes at least one connection slot for preventing movement of the seal strip in the machine direction; preventing the seal strip from being pulled by the wire, stock, or both. However, the seal strip may include a plurality of connection slots. More preferably, the single connection slot is the slot located closest to the head box. The connection slots may be round, oval, a slit, a through hole, or a combination thereof. The seal strip may include a plurality of expansion slots that are located adjacent to the connection slots and in a successive row.

The plurality of expansion slots may allow the seal strip, the deckle board, or both to thermally expand and contract relative to each other so that the seal strip retains its planar shape, is free of waves, is free of wrinkles, or a combination thereof. The plurality of expansion slots may allow for thermal expansion and contraction of the deckle board and seal strip at different rates so that the seal strip is free of contact with the fasteners and is not warped. The plurality of expansion slots may allow for the seal strip to move in the machine direction and be free of contact with a fastener, be free of resistance from a fastener, or both. The one or more expansion slots may be an absence of material on the upstream side, the downstream side, or both of each fastener so that the seal strip is free to move in the machine direction. The expansion slots may be sufficiently large so that upon maximum thermal expansion and/or thermal contraction of the deckle board and seal strip relative to each other the walls of the expansion slots do not contact the fasteners. The expansion slots may be open. The expansion slots may have one or more walls that extend to a terminal edge so that a gap is created between an adjacent wall. The expansion slots may be generally “U” shaped. The expansion slots may allow for removal and/or replacement of the seal strip without removal of all of the fasteners. For example, only the connection fastener may need to be completely removed to remove the seal strip and add a new seal strip installed in the deckle board and the pressure fasteners may only need to be loosened. Thus, in another example, upon removal of the connection fastener and loosening of the pressure fasteners the seal strip may be pulled out from between the deckle board clamp and the seal strip clamp and a new seal strip installed. The seal strip may be a plurality of individual pieces that may be connected together to form one continuous piece. The seal strip may extend the entire length of the forming section (i.e., from the breast roll and/or head box to the couch roll). The seal strip may be retained within the deckle board by one or more fasteners.

The fasteners may function to connect the one or more seal strips within the deckle board, to the deckle board, or both. The one or more fasteners may extend through the seal strip, create pressure on the seal strip, or both. Preferably, only one fastener extends through the seal strip (i.e., a connection fastener). The connection fastener preferably is the first fastener, is located proximate to the head box, or both although the connection fastener may be located downstream of the head box (e.g., in a second or third slot). The one or more and preferably a plurality of fasteners (i.e., pressure fasteners) may create pressure on the seal strip. The plurality of fasteners may be a plurality of pressure fasteners that create a clamping force on the seal strip to retain the seal strip proximate to the deckle board. The plurality of fasteners may connect the deckle board clamp and the seal strip clamp together. The plurality of fasteners may connect the deckle board to the head box.

The deckle board system may include a head box attachment that attaches the deckle board system to a location proximate to the head box, to the head box, the breast roll arm, or a combination thereof. The head box attachment may be a single point of fixed attachment (i.e., is not movable). The head box attachment may create an anchor that prevents the deckle board system from moving in the machine direction, although the deckle board system may be extendable and/or expandable in the machine direction. The head box attachment may attach to one or more shower systems or may connect the deckle board and the one or more shower systems to the paper machine.

The one or more shower systems may function to clean the deckle board system. The one or more shower systems may function to prevent a buildup of stock on any deckle board components. The shower system may function to create a boundary layer. The shower system may function to prevent stock build-up on any parts of the deckle board system. The shower system may create a continuous waterfall of water on the stock side, non-stock side, or both of the deckle board. The shower system may cascade water over the top of the deckle board to clean the deckle board, create the boundary layer, or both. The shower system may provide water equally to the stock side and non-stock side of the deckle board. The shower system may provide water along the deckle board in the machine direction. For example, the shower system may spray water in the machine direction so that the water forms a fluid barrier between the stock and the deckle board. The shower system may spray water in the machine direction so that a velocity difference between the stock and the fluid boundary layer is minimized so that the fluid boundary layer prevents waves, disruptions, or both on the edges of the stock. The shower system may include one or more shower bars, one or more shower nozzles, or both that apply a spray to the deckle board. The one or more shower systems may be two or more, three or more, or even four or more sets of shower systems. The one or more shower systems may be an upper shower system, a lower shower system, an end shower system, a boundary layer shower system, or a combination thereof.

The upper shower system may function to create a constant waterfall of water across the deckle board, a curtain of water, or both on the one or both sides of the deckle board. The upper shower curtain may provide water on the top of the deckle board so that water flows on both sides. The upper shower curtain may gravity feed water to the top of the deckle board. The upper shower may spray water on the top of the deckle board with a pressure of about 35 kPa or more, about 70 kPa or more, about 105 kPa or more, or even about 140 kPa or more. The upper shower may spray water on the top of the deckle board with a pressure of about 500 kPa or less, about 400 kPa or less, about 300 kPa or less, or even about 200 kPa or less. The upper shower may provide a sufficient amount of water so that a boundary layer is provided between the deckle board and the moving stock. The amount of water may vary based upon the speed of the wire. For example, if the wire is moving 100 m/min each nozzle may apply 2 L/min and if the wire is moving 200 m/min each nozzle may apply 4 L/min. The amount of water applied to the deckle board may be any amount of water discussed herein. The upper shower may provide spray, water, or both behind a boundary layer system. The water may be applied in such a manner that surface tension of the water applied may maintain the water proximate to the deckle board, the seal strip, or both. The upper shower system may be used alone or in conjunction with a lower shower system.

The lower shower system may be located entirely on the non-stock side of the deckle board. The lower shower system may function to direct fluid at the seal strip, under the seal strip, or both. The lower shower system may create turbulence at the seal strip, on the seal strip, or both. The lower shower system may provide a boundary layer of water at the seal strip, under the seal strip, in front of the seal strip, or a combination thereof. The lower shower system may prevent a seal from being formed between the seal strip and the wire, forming table, foils, or a combination thereof. The lower shower system may have a low angle trajectory. The lower shower system may be angled so that any waves on the wire, forming table, or both are negated by the spray of the lower shower system. The lower shower system may dampen any waves on the wire, forming table, or both. The lower shower system may direct water at an angle of about 2 degrees or more, about 5 degrees or more, about 7 degrees or more, about 10 degrees or more or even about 15 degrees or more from horizontal to a location proximate to the seal strip. The lower shower system may direct water at an angle of about 45 degrees or less, about 30 degrees or less, or about 20 degrees or less from horizontal (e.g., a plane of the wire surface) to a location proximate to the seal strip. The lower shower may spray water at the non-stock side of the deckle board, at the seal strip, or both with a pressure of about 35 kPa or more, about 70 kPa or more, about 105 kPa or more, or even about 140 kPa or more. The lower shower may spray water at the non-stock side of the deckle board, the seal strip, or both with a pressure of about 500 kPa or less, about 400 kPa or less, about 300 kPa or less, or even about 200 kPa or less. The upper shower system and the lower shower system may span all or a portion of the length of the wet end, the forming table, the wire, or a combination thereof. The upper shower system and the lower shower system may mirror each other. For example, the nozzles of the upper shower system may be longitudinally located at a same distance as the nozzles of the lower shower system. The nozzles of the upper shower system and the nozzles of the lower shower system may be staggered, aligned, or both. The upper shower system, lower shower system, or both may be used in conjunction with and/or replaced by one or more end showers.

The one or more end showers may function to provide water to the head box end of the deckle board, the breast roll end of the deckle board, or both. The one or more end showers may function to provide additional water to the ends of the deckle board. The one or more end showers may provide additional cleaning to the ends of the deckle boards. The one or more end showers may only be located at the head box end and may create turbulence at the beginning of the deckle board. The one or more end showers may spray directly on the face of the deckle board. The one or more end showers may double the amount of water added to the deckle board at discrete locations. The end shower may deliver a similar amount of fluid at a similar pressure to what is described herein for the upper shower system and lower shower system, the teachings of which are incorporated herein. The one or more end showers may include a shower bar that extends outward away from the deckle board and then curves back towards the deckle board. The end shower may be located above and/or adjacent to a boundary layer shower.

The boundary layer shower may function to form a boundary layer of fluid (herein after water, but the water may include paper machine chemicals, fines, be recycled paper machine water, or a combination thereof) between the stock and the face of the deckle board. The boundary layer shower may function to hydraulically form a deckled edge. The boundary layer shower may form current, eddies, turbulence, or a combination thereof along an edge of the deckle board so that a deckled edge is formed. The boundary layer shower may provide water at a sufficient velocity so that shear between the boundary layer water and the stock is minimized, reduced, and/or eliminated. For example, the boundary layer water may be sprayed in the machine direction so that the boundary layer water does not create a high amount of drag on the stock so that build up is formed. The boundary layer shower may function to provide water that forms a boundary layer at substantially the same speed as the stock is moving. The boundary layer fluid may be sprayed at a speed within about 200 m/s or less, about 150 m/s or less, or even about 100 m/s or less of the machine speed. Thus, for example, if the machine speed is about 1000 m/s the speed of the fluid directed from the boundary layer shower may be about 900 m/s or less. The boundary layer water may lubricate the face of the deckle board so that stock is prevented from collecting and so that thickness, caliper, density, basis weight, or a combination thereof are not affected at the dry end. The boundary layer shower may function to keep stock moving in the machine direction, prevent laminar flow from forming proximate to the seal strip, the deckle board, or both. The boundary layer shower may eliminate waves in the stock, on the forming section, on the wire, at the edges, or a combination thereof. The water from the boundary layer showers may run down the face of the deckle board and in the machine direction so that upon contact with stock waves are dampened, dissipated, eliminated, reduced, or a combination thereof. The boundary layer water may prevent waves from extending from the edge back towards the center. For example, any waves that are generated may be eliminated upon contact with the boundary layer water from the boundary layer shower. The boundary layer shower may provide water that clears the face of the deckle board, the seal strip, or both so that stock is exposed to a uniform surface along the machine direction. The boundary layer shower may provide spray against the machine direction (i.e., in an opposite direction as the stock is moving). The boundary layer shower may provide spray in the machine direction so that the stock and the deckle board are free of contact, do not contact each other, or both. The boundary layer shower may provide water at an angle of about 5 degrees or more, about 10 degrees or more, about 15 degrees or more, about 25 degrees or more, or even about 40 degrees or more from vertical. The boundary layer shower may provide water at an angle of about 90 degrees or less, 75 degrees or less, about 60 degrees or less, or even about 45 degrees or less from vertical. The boundary layer shower may have a fan configuration so that a portion of the spray extends vertically and a portion of the spray extends at an angle of about 90 degrees from vertical. The spray may extend out of the shower nozzles at an angle. The angle of the spray extending out of the shower nozzles may be about 5 degrees or more, about 10 degrees or more, about 15 degrees or more, about 25 degrees or more, or even about 30 degrees or more. The angle of the spray extending out of the nozzles may be about 90 degrees or less, about 75 degrees or less, or even about 60 degrees or less. The end shower, the boundary layer shower, the upper shower system, and the lower shower system all include one or more shower bars, one or more nozzles, and one or more holders.

The one or more shower bars function to provide fluid to a predetermined location. The one or more shower bars even distribute fluid across one or more and preferably a plurality of nozzles. The one or more shower bars may function to aim the spray. The one or more shower bars may function to provide fluid to a hard to reach location. The one or more shower bars may function to be movable to a desired location. The one or more shower bars may function to be static. Each of the shower systems may include one or more shower bars and preferably a plurality of shower bars. The one or more shower bars may directly receive one or more nozzles and preferably a plurality of nozzles.

The one or more nozzles may function to regulate fluid flow. The one or more nozzles may function to direct fluid to a location. The one or more nozzles may regulate the pressure of the fluid. The one or more nozzles may regulate the shape of the fluid spray. Preferably, the fluid spray is a flat fan spray. The nozzles may function to regulate the amount of fluid delivered per minute to be any of the rates listed herein for each location. Each nozzle may deliver about 0.5 L/min or more, about 1 L/min or more, about 2 L/min or more, about 3 L/min or more, or even about 5 L/min or more. Each nozzle may deliver about 50 L/min or less, about 40 L/min or less, or about 30 L/min or less. The nozzles may be swivel nozzles that are movable from a front side (e.g., stock side) to a rear side (e.g., non-stock side) of the deckle board. The nozzles may be manually swiveled. The nozzles may automatically swivel based upon fluid pressure within the system. Each of the nozzles may be directed to a predetermined location by connecting the shower system into a holder.

The one or more shower systems may include one or more holders that connect the one or more shower bars to the one or more deckle boards, the stand assemblies, or both. The one or more holders may extend from the non-stock side of the deckle board, above the deckle boards, or both. The one or more holder assemblies may maintain the shower bars in an elevated position, at an angle, or both. The one or more holder assemblies may allow for rotation of the shower systems. The one or more holder assemblies may allow for longitudinal movement, lateral movement, or both of the shower systems. The one or more holders may connect to a stand assembly, (e.g., a vertical stand, a horizontal stand, or both) of the deckle board system.

The deckle board system may include one or more stand assemblies. The one or more stand assemblies may function to connect the deckle board, the shower systems, or both within the deckle board assembly. The stand assemblies may connect the deckle board, the shower systems, the deckle board assembly, or a combination thereof to the paper machine. The one or more stand assemblies may function to align the deckle board with the wire, forming section, paper machine, or a combination thereof. The one or more stand assemblies may include a horizontal stand, a vertical stand, or preferably both. The one or more stand assemblies may be height adjustable, horizontally adjustable, angle adjustable, or a combination thereof. Preferably, each stand assembly includes a vertical stand and a horizontal stand that are connected together. The one or more stand assemblies may include one or more observation slots.

The one or more observation slots function to allow an inner tube, components, or a combination thereof to be viewed, cleaned, maintained, or a combination thereof from an external location of the stand assemblies. The one or more observation slots may be an absence of material, a movable member that exposes internal components of the stand assemblies, or a combination thereof. The one or more observation slots may allow fluid, stock, pulp, or both to exit the stand assemblies. The one or more observation slots may permit cleaning of the stand assembly, the internal components of the stand assembly, or both. The one or more observation slots may assist in positioning the deckle board. The one or more observation slots may assist in vertical positioning, horizontal positioning, or both. The one or more observation slots may include an alignment feature, be an alignment feature, or both that allows a position of a deckle board to be monitored. The one or more observation slots may allow for cleaning of threads, removal of stock, removal of pulp, maintenance of an alignment feature in a stand assembly, or a combination thereof. The one or more observation slots may be round, oval, square, rectangular, symmetrical, asymmetrical, triangular, pentagonal, or a combination thereof. The one or more observation slots may be in a vertical stand, a horizontal stand, or both.

The one or more vertical stands may connect the deckle board system to the frame of the paper machine (i.e., main frame, breast roll arm, or both). The one or more vertical stands may function to adjust the deckle board so that the deckle board, the seal strip, or both are above the wire, in contact with the wire, free of contact with the wire, at a desired location, or a combination thereof. The one or more vertical stands may function to accommodate adjustments to the foils so that a deckled edge is maintained. The one or more vertical stands may be static in the machine direction so that once the vertical stands are connected to the paper machine the vertical stands do not move relative to the paper machine. The one or more vertical stands may slide within a track that is connected to the paper machine so that the vertical stands may be moved inward or outward relative to the wire, forming section, stock, or a combination thereof. The one or more vertical stands may rotate in the cross-machine direction and against the cross-machine direction along the machine direction. The one or more vertical stands may be rotated by the deckle boards expanding and contracting. The one or more vertical stands may be movable relative to the paper machine, a connection stand, or both. The one or more vertical stands may be removable from the paper machine, a connection stand, or both. The deckle board may be connected directly to a vertical stand. The one or more vertical stands may be connected to one or more horizontal stands.

The one or more horizontal stands may function to extend over the forming section, the wire, the foils, the wet end, or a combination thereof. The one or more horizontal stands may vary the cross-machine width of the paper machine by the length of the horizontal stand being adjusted. The one or more horizontal stands may function to change the cross-machine width of the paper machine in the machine direction as the stock flows in the machine direction. For example, a distance the horizontal stands extend over the paper machine may decrease in the machine direction as the stock flows away from the headbox so that the cross-machine length increases. The one or more horizontal stands may be adjusted so that the one or more deckle boards on a first side are straight and the one or more deckle boards on the opposing side diverge away from the deckle boards on the first side. The horizontal stands may adjust the one or more deckle boards on a first side and a second side so that both the deckle boards on the first side and the deckle boards on the second side diverge away from each other. The horizontal stands may move each of the deckle boards so that the deckle boards extend outward (i.e., increase the cross-machine width) in a linear shape, curved shape, a constant curve, an exponential curve, or a combination thereof. A segment between two of the stand assemblies may be generally linear. A segment between two stand assemblies may have a different slope as a segment between two adjacent stand assemblies (i.e., upstream or downstream in the machine direction). The horizontal stand may be moved to accommodate thermal contraction and/or thermal expansion of the deckle board. The horizontal stand may be angled upward (away from the wire), downward (towards the wire), or both. The one or more horizontal stands, one or more vertical stands, or both may include an inner tube and an outer tube, a lift plate, a movement member, an adjustment device, or a combination thereof.

The inner tube and outer tube may be movable relative to each other to adjust a length of the stands (e.g. height or length). The one or more outer tubes may function to allow the deckle boards to expand and contract (e.g., move in the cross-machine direction). The one or more outer tubes may rotate. The one or more outer tubes and/or inner tubes may vertically move up and down. The one or more outer tubes and/or inner tubes may horizontally move in and out. The one or more outer tubes may be held in the system by gravity. The one or more outer tubes may rotate about an inner tube. The outer tube may have an open area that receives the inner tube. The outer tube may be hollow. The one or more outer tubes may be free of a fixed connection with the inner tube.

The inner tube may function to connect the deckle board system to the paper machine. The inner tube may function to move while the outer tube remains static. The inner tube may be static. The inner tube may form a bearing surface for the outer tube to rotate about or vice versa. The inner tube may provide a stationary part for the outer tube to be moved about. The inner tube may be solid, hollow, or a portion of both. The inner tube, the outer tube, or both may include one or more connection members.

The one or more connection members may function to allow the inner tube to move relative to the outer tube. The one or more connection members may assist in locking the inner tube to the outer tube. The one or more connection members may assist is permitting the inner tube to move relative to the outer tube. The one or more connection members may be a non-slip surface. The one or more connection members may be made of or include polyethylene, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene, polyester, polyethylene terephthalate, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, polytetrafluoroethylene, or a combination thereof. One or more connection members may be located on one or more sides of the inner tube, the outer tube, or both. The one or more connection members may be attached to the inner tube, the outer tube, or both by one or more fasteners. The one or more connection members may include a space that permits fluid, stock, or both to exit the stand assembly. The one or more connection members may include and/or be connected to a lift plate.

A lift plate may function to provide a surface for a member to press against to move a portion of a stand. A lift plate may function to allow a member to contact an inner tube or an outer tube so that the outer tube is moved relative to the inner tube. The lift plate may be part of the inner tube that a movement member presses against to move the outer tube, the deckle board system, or both. The lift plate may be a solid piece. The lift plate may include a through hole. The lift plate may be an upper stop, a lower stop or both. The lift plate may be a pivot plate, a pivot stand, or both. The lift plate may be threaded. The lift plate may be located within a vertical stand, a horizontal stand, or both. The lift plate may provide a fixed surface for the movement member to press against. The lift plate may be fixedly connected to a movement member.

The movement member may axially move the horizontal stand, the vertical stand, or both. The movement member may function to move an outer tube relative to an inner tube. The movement member may function to lift, extend, or both the stands. The movement member may extend cantilever from the lift plate. The movement member may be threaded. The movement member may push the outer tube to extend the stand and pull the outer tube to shorten the outer stand. The movement member may be a telescoping arm. The movement member may be an arm that is axially extended by a servo motor. The movement member may be threaded member. The threaded member may be located within the vertical stand, the horizontal stand, or both.

The one or more horizontal stands may extend cantilever and support the deckle board, the shower system, or both. The horizontal stand may extend the deckle boards over the wire. The horizontal stand may determine the width of the wet end. The horizontal stand may be connected to the vertical stand by one or more brackets. The horizontal tube, the vertical stand, or both may be adjusted by an adjustment device.

The adjustment device may function to vary the length, height, or both of the vertical stand, the horizontal stand, or both. The adjustment device may be manual, automated, motorized, electrical, hydraulic, or a combination thereof. The adjustment device may be a motor, a crank, a knob, or a combination thereof. The adjustment device may change the vertical stand, the horizontal stand, or both by controlling the movement member. For example, the adjustment device may be a hand crank and the movement member may be threaded and rotation of the hand crank may move the movement member so that the vertical stand and/or horizontal stand is adjusted. The horizontal stand, the upper stand, or both may include rotation device.

The rotation device may function to vary the angle of the deckle board relative to vertical, the wire, the wet end, or a combination thereof. The rotation device may move the seal strip in the cross-machine direction. The rotation device may include a lower bracket clamp, an upper bracket clamp, a clamping structure, or a combination thereof. The rotation device may be located opposite the adjustment device. The rotation device may rotate about an axis while all of the other components remain static except for the deckle board. The rotation device may be an adjustment device. The rotation device and the deckle board may rotate and the lower bracket clamp, upper bracket clamp, or both may remain static.

The lower bracket clamp and the upper bracket clamp may combine together to prevent rotational movement of the rotation device. The lower bracket clamp and the upper bracket clamp may allow for rotational movement of an adjustment bracket while supporting the adjustment bracket. The lower bracket clamp and the upper bracket clamp when tightened prevent movement of the adjustment bracket and when loosened allow for movement of the adjustment bracket. The lower bracket clamp and the upper bracket clamp may be opposing arms that create a clamping force. The lower bracket clamp and the upper bracket clamp may create a clamping force by being connected by a fastener. The lower bracket clamp, upper bracket clamp, clamping structure, or a combination thereof, may function to retain a T-nut, a slidable member, or both at the end of the horizontal stand so that the T-nut, slidable member, or both may be rotationally movable. The lower bracket clamp, the upper bracket clamp, clamping structure, or a combination thereof may connect to an adjustment bracket, clamp an adjustment bracket, or both.

The adjustment bracket may function to connect to a stand (e.g., horizontal stand) and connect to a T-nut, a slidable member, or both. The adjustment bracket may be connected to a stand assembly on one side and a guide groove on a second side. The adjustment bracket may allow be rotatable so that an angle of the deckle board may be varied relative to the wire, the wet end, or both. The adjustment bracket may function to adjust the deckle board as is discussed herein regarding the deckle board angle. The adjustment bracket may be translated in 5 degrees (e.g., up, down, left, right, rotate about a longitudinal axis, rotate about a lateral axis, or a combination thereof). The adjustment bracket may be sandwiched between the upper bracket clamp, the lower bracket clamp, or both. The adjustment bracket may extend into a guide groove or may receive the guide groove. The adjustment bracket may be substantially cylindrical. The adjustment bracket may include one or more slots. The adjustment bracket may be free of slots. The adjustment bracket may allow the T-nut, the slidable member, or both to move within the guide groove when the deckle board expands and contracts.

The T-nut, the slidable member, or both may fit within a guide groove and connect the deckle board to a stand. The T-nut, the slidable member, or both may slide within the guide groove so that the deckle board is movable in the machine direction, expandable, contractible, or a combination thereof. The T-nut, the slidable member, or both may be removable through a T-interruption. The T-nut may have a portion that is generally “T” shaped. The T-nut may have outwardly extending wing portions.

The vertical stand, the inner tube, or both may include a stand bracket, be connected to a stand bracket, or both. The vertical stand, the inner tube, the outer tube, or both may be fixedly connected to a stand bracket. The stand bracket may fit within and/or connect to a connection stand that is connected to the paper machine, a frame, or both. The stand bracket may extend over and receive the connection stand. The connection stand may receive the stand bracket. The connection stand, the stand bracket, or both may include one or more angled brackets. The one or more angled brackets may extend from the stand bracket to the connection stand so that lateral movement, longitudinal movement, or both is prevented. The angled brackets may provide one or more fastening locations so that the stand bracket and connection stand may be connected. The angled bracket may be general “L” shaped. The angled bracket may receive a portion of the connection stand. The stand bracket may include a plate that is connected to the inner tube, the outer tube, or both and the angled brackets may be connected to the plate. The stand bracket may be connected to a connection plate that mounts a stand assembly to the paper machine, the main frame, or both.

The connection plate may function to provide a movable connection for attaching the stand assembly to the paper machine. The connection plate may be connected via one or more fasteners. The connection plate may be connected to a pivot plate that is connected to a connection stand. The connection plate may be fixedly connected to the paper machine. The connection plate may be static. The connection plate may provide a part for the stand assembly to rotate about. The connection plate may be connected to a pivot plate. The connection plate may be fixed and the pivot plate may move. The connection plate may prevent the connection stand from pivoting, moving, or both relative to the paper machine. The connection stand may not be adjustable. The connection stand may include a connection plate at its base. The connection plate may directly contact the main frame or the paper machine. The connection plate may be connected to the main frame or the paper machine via one or more connecting nuts. The connection plate may be maintained in position at all times even when the support assembly is being used. The connection stand may include one or more locks that connect the pivot plate to the connection plate.

The pivot plate may pivot about a stand pivot from an assembled position to a maintenance position. The pivot plate may be directly connected to the connection stand and may allow for movement of the connection stand. The pivot plate may rotate about the connection plate, about a pivot point (e.g., a stand pivot), or both. The pivot plate may pivot about the stand pivot so that the deckle board system is removed from the wet end of the paper machine. The pivot plate may be locked to the connection plate by one or more locks. The pivot plate may be part of a connection stand that may be part of but separable form the stand assembly. The connection stand may be connected to the stand assembly by a pin and upon movement of the pin the stand assembly may be removed from the connection stand. The pivot plate may allow the vertical stand, the stand assembly, or both to rotate away from the paper machine. The pivot plate may allow the stand assembly to be moved so that the stand assembly is not located over the paper machine. The pivot plate may remain connected to the paper machine while the stand assembly is rotated away from the paper machine. The pivot plate may allow the entire deckle board system to be moved away from the paper machine but remain connected together. The stand assembly may be free of a pivot plate and may include a connection stand. The connection stand may include a stop assembly.

The stop assembly (e.g., stop) may function to maintain the deckle board system, deckle board, shower system, or a combination thereof a sufficient distance above the paper machine so that parts of the deckle board system (other than the seal strip) cannot be moved, adjusted, or both into contact with the wire, the wet end, or both. The stop assembly may allow a base of the support assembly to be adjusted relative to the paper machine. The stop assembly may allow for fine adjustment of a height of the support assembly. Pitch of the support assembly may be varied by adjusting the stop assembly. The stop assembly may allow the support assembly to be removed from the paper machine. The stop assembly may include an upper stop.

The upper stop may contact a bottom portion of the stand assembly. The upper stop may prevent the stand assembly from being adjusted downward. The upper stop may directly contact the support assembly. The upper stop may be a static part. The upper stop may form a floor for the support assembly. The upper stop may be located opposite a lower stop that prevents the stand assembly from being adjusted downward. The upper stop may be located opposite a lower stop.

The lower stop may function to connect the stop assembly to the paper machine. The lower stop may receive one or more fasteners, locks, or both. The lower stops may be a plate that remains connected to the paper machine. The lower stop may have a predetermined height. A vertical support may be connected to the lower stop. The upper stop may be movable relative to the lower stop. The lower stop may be fixed. The upper stop, the lower stop, or both may be a nut on a bolt. The upper stop, lower stop, or both may be connected to or on a stop support. The upper stop and lower stop may be separated by a stop support.

The stop support may function to support the upper stop, the lower stop, or both. The stop support may be static. The stop support may be located between two connection plates, connection members, or both. The stop support may allow for fine adjustment of one or more of the connection plates. The stop support may be threaded. The stop support may carry the upper stop, the lower stop, or both. The stop support may be substantially vertical (i.e., a 90 degree angle ±5 degrees or less relative to the wire of the paper machine). The stop support may be part of a support assembly.

The support assembly may function to allow the deckle board system to be removed from over the paper machine so that maintained can be performed on the paper machine. The support assembly supports the deckle board system over the cat walk, from the main frame, or both. The support assembly may function to allow the deckle board system to remain connected to the paper machine but removed from an area of interest (e.g., over the wire, forming section, wet end). The support assembly may be fixedly connected to the stand assembly. The support assembly may be removably connected to the stand assembly. The support assembly may be fixedly connected to the stand assembly. The support assembly may be stored with the stand assembly. The support assembly may be removed from the stand assembly. The support assembly may be clipped on the stand assembly. The support assembly may include a pin that connects the support assembly to the stand assembly. The support assembly may automatically deploy as the stand assembly is moved about the stand pivot. The support assembly may pivot relative to the stand assembly as the stand assembly is rotated away from the paper machine. The support assembly may be added to the stand assembly while the stand assembly is rotated away from the paper machine. The support assembly may be height adjustable. The support assembly may be automatically height adjustable. The support assembly may include a threaded portion. The support assembly may include one or more hinges, two or more hinges, three or more hinges, or four or more hinges. The one or more hinges may be located on the support leg, the paper machine, the vertical stand, the horizontal stand, or a combination thereof. The support assembly may have a horizontal support that is movable relative to the vertical support. The support assembly may be connected to the vertical support, the horizontal support, or both. The support assembly may have a vertical leg, a horizontal leg, or both in the assembled position (or state), the maintenance position (or state), or both. The support assembly may include one or more gear boxes.

The gear box functions to move the deckle board system so that the deckle board system is moved from over the wire of the paper machine or moved back to a position over the paper machine. The gear box may raise and lower the deckle board system. The gear box may laterally move the deckle board system. The gear box may assist in moving a deckle board system from over the wet end. The gear box may provide support to the deckle board system as the deckle board system moves away from the wet end. The gear box may include a motor. The gear box may include a crank. The gear box may carry all of the weight of the deckle board system and the deckle board system is moved away from the wet end. The support assemblies may include one or more gear boxes, two or more gear boxes, three or more gear boxes, four or more gear boxes, or a plurality of gear boxes. The gear boxes may be located at the ends of the deckle board system. The gear boxes may be located in the middle of the deckle board system. Preferably the gear boxes may be spaced apart so that the deckle board system is sufficiently supported by the support assembly. The gear boxes may include one or more threads, one or more gears, or both. The gear box may rotate about a drive shaft. The gear boxes may be directly connected to a main frame. The gear boxes may be connected to a catwalk. The gear boxes may contact a support leg (e.g., drive shaft) and allow the support leg to move through the gear box as the stand assembly is moved away from the paper machine. The gear box may include a drive shaft.

The drive shaft may function to move the deckle board system, support the deckle board system, or both. The drive shaft may convert rotary movement to linear movement. The drive shaft may be a support leg. The drive shaft may be a support leg that is movable through a gear box. The drive shaft may move up and down so that the stand assembly is moved towards and away from the paper machine. The drive shaft may include threads. The drive shaft, the gear box, or both may include a threaded connection. The drive shaft, the gear box, or both may include a rolling elements (e.g., a ball screw). For example, a plurality of ball bearings may be located in grooves within the drive shaft and gear box that assist in moving the drive shaft through the gear box. The drive shaft may include gears or teeth. The drive shaft may be rotationally static. The drive shaft may rotate. The drive shaft may include detents and the detents may prevent movement of the drive shaft relative to the gear box as the stand assembly is moved. The drive shaft may directly move the stand assembly. The drive shaft may include one or more through holes that allow the drive shaft to be pinned to prevent movement of the drive shaft and associated deckle board system. The drive shaft may support the stand assembly when the stand assembly is in the maintenance position. The drive shaft may be metal, steel, stainless steel, plastic, a polymer, coated by a polymer, removable, or a combination thereof. The support assembly may be free of a gear box, a drive shaft, or both. The drive shaft may be a support leg.

The support assembly main include a support leg. The support leg may extend from the stand assembly and support the stand assembly, which is connected to the deckle board assembly. The support leg may extend from the stand assembly to a ground to support the stand assembly and carry some of the load of the deckle board system. The support leg may be connected to the stand assembly via a support pivot. The support leg may support the stand assembly when the stand assembly is in the maintenance position. The support leg may contact a cat walk. The support leg may contact a frame. The support leg may connect to a horizontal stand, a vertical stand, or both. The support leg may have one or more pieces. The support leg may include two or more pivots. The support leg may self-deploy as the stand assembly is moved from the assembled position and the maintenance position. The support leg may be added to the stand assembly as the stand assembly is moved from the assembled position and the maintenance position. The support leg may hang from the support assembly. The support leg may have a length that is substantially similar to that of the vertical support. The support leg may be connected to a support bracket. The support leg may be pivotably movable relative to the support bracket. The support leg may be directly connected to the horizontal stand. The support leg may be connected to the vertical stand. The support leg may extend between the horizontal stand and the vertical stand. The support leg may include one or more support pivots.

The support pivot functions to allow the support assembly to move relative to the stand assembly from an assembled position (storage state) to a maintenance position (a retracted state). The support pivot may allow the support leg to retract and deploy. The support pivot may be a hinge on a support leg. The support pivot may be located in a center of the support leg. The support pivot may connect the support leg to the support stand, the vertical support, the horizontal support, the stand bracket, or a combination thereof. The support pivot may allow the support leg to move from an assembled position to a maintenance position. The support pivot may be a pin that once removed allows the support leg to be removed. The support pivot may allow the angle of the deckle board system to be varied in the maintenance position. The support pivot may permit the deckle board system to be rotated 10 degrees or more, 30 degrees or more, 45 degrees or more, 60 degrees or more, or even 75 degrees or more away from the paper machine, the wire, an assembled position, or a combination thereof. The support pivot may permit the deckle board system to be rotated about 180 degrees or less, about 160 degrees or less, about 135 degrees or less, or about 105 degrees or less (i.e., about 90 degrees) away from the paper machine, the wire, an assembled position, or a combination thereof. The support pivot may be located on an opposite end of the support leg as a support foot.

The support foot may function to contact a surface to support the support leg and the deckle board system. The support foot may contact a cat walk, a frame, or another part of a paper machine to support the deckle board system, or a combination thereof. The support foot may be connected to the support leg. The support foot may be larger than the support leg. The support foot may be connected to a bottom of the support leg. The support foot may increase the surface area of the support leg. The support foot may be movable relative to the support leg. The support foot may include a threaded portion. The support foot may include detents. The support foot may be adjustable relative to the support leg. The support foot may be telescoping. The support foot one included one or more holes so that a pin may be removed and the support foot axially moved. The support foot may include a non-slip surface. The support foot may be metal. The support foot may be metallic and include a rubber portion. The support foot may include treads (i.e., grooves that assist in maintain the position of the support leg. The support foot may prevent a locking sleeve from being removed from the support leg.

The locking sleeve may function to prevent movement of a support pivot within a support leg. The support pivot may be located in place by a locking sleeve that slides over the support pivot. The locking sleeve may move along the support leg. The locking sleeve may extend along one or more sides of the support leg. The locking sleeve may extend along two or more, three or more, or all of the sides of the support leg. The locking sleeve may surround the support leg. The locking sleeve may be movable along the support leg. The locking sleeve may move to a predetermined location and then lock in place. The locking sleeve may be locked around the support pivot. The locking sleeve may be locked in place by one or more pins. The locking sleeve may rest upon a stop when the locking sleeve is moved over the support pivot. The locking sleeve may move over the support pivot as the support assembly is moved from an installed position to a maintenance position. The locking sleeve may have a cross-sectional shape that is complementary in shape to the support leg. The locking sleeve may have a cross-sectional shape that is square, rectangular, circular, or oval.

The support pivot may be connected to a support bracket. The support bracket may be part of the stand assembly. The support bracket may function to connect the vertical stand, the horizontal stand, the support leg, or a combination thereof together. The support bracket may be triangular in shape. The support bracket may be located on the machine side of the vertical stand. A support bracket may be located on each side of the vertical stand, the horizontal stand, or both. The support bracket may lock the vertical stand and the horizontal stand together. The support bracket may support the stand assembly in the installed position, the maintenance position, or both. The support bracket may be connected to a support leg and the support leg may include a support foot.

The support foot may function to support the stand assembly. The support foot may function to level the stand assembly when the stand assembly is in the installed position, the maintenance position, or both. The support foot may be moved relative to the support leg by an adjustment support so that the distance or height of the deckle board system above the paper machine may be adjusted. The support foot may axially move as the support foot rotates. The support foot may telescope from the support leg. The support foot may be threaded. The support foot may include one or more holes and pins that allow the support foot to be moved relative to the support leg. The support foot may be moved to adjust a length of the support leg. The support foot may level the stand assembly when the stand assembly is in the maintenance position. The support foot may include one or more non-slip parts. The support foot may be made of or include rubber, metal, a corrosion resistant material, plastic, a polymer, or a combination thereof. The support foot may assist in supporting the stand assembly when then stand assembly is in the maintenance position. The paper machine may include a support assembly, a monitoring system, a control system actuation system, controls, transmission lines, or a combination thereof. The support assembly may support a monitoring system, control system actuation system, controls, transmission lines, or a combination thereof.

The monitoring system may function to monitor one or more parts of a paper machine. The monitoring system may monitor the wet end. The monitoring system may monitor formation. The monitoring system may be a camera. The monitoring system may be a plurality of cameras. The monitoring system may monitor a dry line. The monitoring system may be CMOS camera, CCD camera, an infrared camera, or a combination thereof. The monitoring system may face in the machine direction, the cross-machine direction, or both. The monitoring system may be connected to controls, transmission lines, or a control system actuation system.

The control system actuation system (CSAS) may function to move one or more components of a paper machine upon a signal. The CSAS may adjust a slice opening, height of a forming board, angle of a forming board, height of a foil, angle of a foil, amount of vacuum, speed of the paper machine, or a combination thereof. The CSAS may automatically control operation of one or more parts of the paper machine. The CSAS may indicate to an operator that one or more parameters is approaching out of spec, that adjustment may be needed, or both. The CSAS may pre-set one or more parts of a paper machine to an earlier setting upon grade change. The CSAS may include one or more motors, one or more actuators, or both. The CSAS may include equipment that may move one or more pieces of the paper machine. The CSAS may be connected to one or more controls via one or more transmission lines.

The one or more transmission lines may function to extend from a monitoring system to controls, from the controls to the CSAS, or both. The transmission lines may be metal wires, copper wires, fiber optic cables, a high speed cable, or a combination thereof. The transmission lines may be a physical line. The transmission lines may be a wireless line. The transmission lines may be WIFI, Bluetooth, or other wireless transmissions of data. The one or more transmission lines may connect to one or more motors, one or more actuators, or both.

The one or more controls may control one or more motors, one or more actuators, or both. The one or more controls may control a slice opening, a forming board, a foil (e.g., height or angle), vacuum, speed of the paper machine, consistency of stock, or a combination thereof. The one or more controls may assess one or more inputs from the monitoring system. The one or more controls may review data from the monitoring system and provide data, inputs, controls, or a combination thereof to the CSAS so that the CSAS controls one or more parts of the paper machine. The one or more controls may include a computer, a microprocessor, memory, flash memory, or a combination thereof. The one or more controls may change one or more conditions of the paper machine to maintain a grade of paper in spec (i.e., grade specification boundaries), assist in making grade changes, or both.

The deckle board system may be adjusted via a method. The deckle board system may be stored via a method. The method may include moving the vertical stands, the horizontal stands, or both so that the deckle board expands a width of the paper machine. The method may include adjusting the support foot relative to the support leg. Disconnecting the deckle board system from the paper machine. Rotating the deckle board system away from the paper machine. Moving the support leg. Supporting the deckle board system on the support leg. Locking the support leg. Unlocking the support leg. Moving the locking sleeve off of the support pivot. Connecting the support leg to the support assembly. Disconnecting the support leg from the support assembly. Inserting a pin. Removing a pin. Rotating the support assembly. Rotating one or more locks between a locked position and an unlocked position. The deckle board may be curved. The deckle board may be adjusted segment by segment. The deckle board may be added to stand assemblies that are pre-set. The deckle board stands may be moved so that the horizontal stands are out of alignment.

FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of the paper machine 2 including a deckle board system 30, monitoring system 40, and control system 42. The paper machine 2 includes a head box 4 upstream of a breast roll 6 which is supported by a breast roll arm 16. The breast roll arm is connected to the main frame 18, which is part of the wet end 10. The wet end 10 includes a plurality of foil sections 12, each of which include a plurality of foils 14. A wire (not shown) moves in the machine direction 120 across the foil sections 12 to remove water from the wet end 10. A deckle system 30 is located along each side edge of the wet end 10. The deckle system 30 includes adjustment devices 84 that can adjust the deckle board system 30. The adjustment devices 84 as shown are connected directly to a monitoring system 40 via communication lines 46 and indirectly to the monitoring system 40 through communication lines 44 that are connected to a control system 42 that is connected to the monitoring system 40.

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of a deckle board system 30. The deckle board system 30 includes a head box end 22 and a couch roll end 26. The head box end 22 includes a head box attachment 48 that connects the deckle board system 30 to the head box (not shown). The deckle board system 30 includes a deckle board 32 with a shower system 60 located above the deckle board 32. The shower system 60 includes a shower bar 62 with a plurality of shower nozzles 64. The shower nozzles 64 as shown are in an alternating fashion so that nozzles produce a front spray 66A and alternating nozzles produce a rear spray 66B. The deckle board 32 and shower system 60 are supported by a plurality of stand assemblies 78 that each include a vertical stand 80 and a horizontal stand 82.

FIG. 3A illustrates a portion the paper machine 2 with the deckle board system 30 and shower system 60 in the installed position and extending over the breast roll 6 and foil sections 12. The deckle board system 30 is supported on the main frame 18 via the stand assembly 78. A support assembly 140 is rested above the main frame 18 and out of the catwalk 28.

FIG. 3B illustrates the support assembly 140 moved to a maintenance position so that the deckle board system 30 and shower system 60 are retracted off of the paper machine 2 and supported on the catwalk 28 via the support assembly 140. The stand assembly 78 remains connected to the main fame 18 in the maintenance position.

FIG. 4A is a side view of the stand assembly 78 in the installed position. The stand assembly includes a horizontal stand 82 that extends from a vertical stand 80 and includes a support bracket 144 therebetween. The horizontal stand 82 supports the deckle board 32 and seal strips 34 above the paper machine (not shown) so that the seal strip is in contact with the wire of the paper machine (not shown). The horizontal stand 82 includes observation slots 80 so that inner components of the horizontal stand 82 can be viewed, cleaned, and maintained. The horizontal stand 82 is connected to an adjustment device 84, which as shown is an actuator 85 that can be controlled via controls 160 located on the actuator 85. The horizontal stand 82 is connected to the vertical stand 80 by the support brackets 144, which also connect the support assembly 140 to the stand assembly 78. The support assembly 140 includes a support pivot 142, an adjustment support 146 and a support foot 148. The vertical stand 80 as shown has an adjustment device 84, which is an adjuster 86. The bottom of the vertical stand 80 is in contact with a connection stand 100. The connection stand 100 includes a stand bracket 94 with a pivot plate 102 that are locked together in the installed position via the locks 106. The locks 106 prevent the pivot plate 102 from moving about the stand pivot 104 and maintain the stand assembly in the installed position.

FIG. 4B illustrated the stand assembly 78 in the maintenance position. As shown the stand bracket 94 is maintained in place and the locks 106 are released so that the pivot plate 102 moves in the direction 105. When the pivot plate 102 moves about the pivot 104 the vertical stand 80 moves to a parallel position and the support assembly 140 moves about the support pivot 142 so that the support foot 148 is moved into contact with another feature (such as a catwalk (not shown)) to support the stand assembly. The support foot 148 is adjustable in height by the adjustment support 146. The deckle board system 30 as shown is moved away from the wet end (not shown) so that maintenance can be performed on the wet end. The deckle board system 30 is supported by the horizontal stands 82 and support assembly 140 that are connected through the support bracket 144. The adjustment device 84 moves to a parallel position relative to the support assembly 140 with the transmission lines 160 being located proximate to the support assembly.

FIG. 5 is a close-up view of the horizontal stand 82 and observation slots 180 from FIG. 4A. The observation slots 180 in the horizontal stand 82 as shown allow the movement members 88 to be visible. The movement members 88 are connected to the adjustment device 80 for moving the deckle board system (not shown).

FIG. 6 is a close up view of the connection between the connection stand 100 and the vertical stand 80 and the base of the support assembly 140. The vertical stand 80 and connection stand 100 are connected via a pin 108. The connection stand 100 includes a stand bracket 94 that is mounted on the paper machine (not shown). The stand bracket 94 assists in retaining a connection plate 110 (not shown) in place via fasteners 101. A pivot 104 connects the connection plate 110 (not shown) to the pivot plate 102. The pivot plate 104 is maintained in place via locks 106. A stop assembly 200 is connected to the pivot plate 102 by a stop support 106 that runs from the vertical stand 80 to the pivot plate 102. The stop support 106 includes an upper stop 202 located proximate to the vertical stand 80 and a lower stop 204 located proximate to the pivot plate 102 that is set to a distance (D) to maintain the deckle board system (not shown) a sufficient height above the wire (not shown). The base of the support assembly 140 includes a support leg 141, a support pivot 146 that adjusts the height of the support foot 148 so that when the deckle board system is moved from an installed position to a maintenance position the deckle board system is supported.

FIG. 7 illustrates a close-up view of the stand assembly 78 in the maintenance position. As shown the vertical stand 80 and pivot plate 102 move about the pivot 104 when the locks 106 are released so that the deckle board system (not shown) is moved from the paper machine (not shown). In the maintenance position, the connection plate 110 remains connected to the paper machine (not shown) by fasteners 101. The connection plate 110 is located between stand brackets 94 that assist in connected the stand assembly 78 to the paper machine (not shown).

FIG. 8 is a stand assembly 78 in the installed position. The stand assembly includes a connection stand 100 that is connected to the main frame 18 via a stand bracket 94. The stand bracket 94 is connected to a pivot plate 102 that supports the vertical stand 80 and the horizontal stand 82. A locking sleeve 150 is located on the horizontal stand 82 above a support pivot 142 located between the horizontal stand 82 and the support leg 141 of the support assembly 140 so that the support foot 148 is maintained above the catwalk 28.

FIG. 9 shows the stand assembly 78 moved in the direction 105 so that the stand bracket 94 and connection plate 110 maintain a connection with the main frame 18 so that the pivot plate 102 pivots about the stand pivot 104. The vertical stand 80 is now in a horizontal position and the horizontal stand 82 is now in a vertical position and aligned with the support stand 140 by the support stand 140 pivoting about the support pivot 142. The locking sleeve 150 is moved over the support pivot 140 so that the support leg 141 and the horizontal stand 82 are locked together with the support foot 148 being in contact with the catwalk 28.

FIG. 10 illustrates a stand assembly with a horizontal stand 82 connected to a vertical stand 80 with as support bracket 144. The horizontal stand 82 includes an outer tube 80A with a plurality of observation slots 180 therein for viewing the internal components. An inner tube 80B is located within the outer tube 80A and is at least partially visible through the observation slots 180. The inner tube 80B includes a connection device 81 for connecting to a deckle board system (not shown). The vertical stand 80 includes an observation slot 180 for viewing the internal components of the vertical stand 80. The vertical stand is connected to a connection stand 100.

FIG. 11 is a close-up view of the connection stand of FIG. 10. The connection stand 100 extends at least partially into the vertical stand 80. The connection stand 100 includes a stop assembly 200. The stop assembly 200 includes an upper stop 202 and a lower stop 204 that are separated by a stop support 206. The stop assembly 200 is connected to a connection plate 110 via a plurality of fasteners 101 that extend through the connection plate 110 and connect to connecting nuts 112 that may be used to connect the stand assembly (not shown) to the paper machine (not shown).

FIG. 12 is an exploded view of the stand assembly 78 separated from the connection stand 100. The connection stand 100 includes connection members 114 that extend into the connection stand 78 and assist in forming a connection.

FIG. 13 illustrates a support assembly and stand assembly connected to a main frame 18 in the installed position. The stand assembly 78 includes a vertical stand 80 and a horizontal stand 82 that are connected to the main frame 18 by a pivot plate 102 that is connected to a stand bracket 94 via a pivot pin 104. The pivot plate 102 pivots about the pivot pin 104 when the support assembly moves in the direction 105 downward. The support assembly 140 moves downward and pulls the stand away from the paper machine (not shown) when the gear box 116 rotates the drive shaft 118 and creates rotary to linear motion so that the support leg 141 moves through the gear box 116. As the support leg 141 moves the horizontal stand 82 and support leg 141 pivot at the support pivot 142 until the deckle board system (not shown) is moved a sufficient distance and then the deckle board system is supported by the drive shaft 118 and gear box 116 on the main frame 18.

FIG. 14 illustrates the wet end 10 of the paper machine 2. The head box 4 is at a first end and adjustment devices 84 and horizontal stands 82 are located along the machine direction 120 of the wet end. As the deckle board 32 of the deckle board system 30 extends in the machine direction 120 the cross machine direction 122 is increased in width by the horizontal stands 82 being shortened outward from a center point. The end closest to the head box has a distance (X₁) and the end farthest from the head box 4 has a length (X₂). The distances between the respective opposing horizontal stands 82 are changed along the machine direction 120 such that every width of the deckle board system is changed from (Y₁) to (Y₅), as shown.

Any numerical values recited herein include all values from the lower value to the upper value in increments of one unit provided that there is a separation of at least 2 units between any lower value and any higher value. As an example, if it is stated that the amount of a component or a value of a process variable such as, for example, temperature, pressure, time and the like is, for example, from 1 to 90, preferably from 20 to 80, more preferably from 30 to 70, it is intended that values such as 15 to 85, 22 to 68, 43 to 51, 30 to 32 etc. are expressly enumerated in this specification. For values which are less than one, one unit is considered to be 0.0001, 0.001, 0.01 or 0.1 as appropriate. These are only examples of what is specifically intended and all possible combinations of numerical values between the lowest value and the highest value enumerated are to be considered to be expressly stated in this application in a similar manner.

Unless otherwise stated, all ranges include both endpoints and all numbers between the endpoints. The use of “about” or “approximately” in connection with a range applies to both ends of the range. Thus, “about 20 to 30” is intended to cover “about 20 to about 30”, inclusive of at least the specified endpoints.

The disclosures of all articles and references, including patent applications and publications, are incorporated by reference for all purposes. The term “consisting essentially of” to describe a combination shall include the elements, ingredients, components or steps identified, and such other elements ingredients, components or steps that do not materially affect the basic and novel characteristics of the combination. The use of the terms “comprising” or “including” to describe combinations of elements, ingredients, components or steps herein also contemplates embodiments that consist essentially of or even consists of the elements, ingredients, components or steps.

Plural elements, ingredients, components or steps can be provided by a single integrated element, ingredient, component or step. Alternatively, a single integrated element, ingredient, component or step might be divided into separate plural elements, ingredients, components or steps. The disclosure of “a” or “one” to describe an element, ingredient, component or step is not intended to foreclose additional elements, ingredients, components or steps.

It is understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. Many embodiments as well as many applications besides the examples provided will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reading the above description. The scope of the invention should, therefore, be determined not with reference to the above description, but should instead be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. The disclosures of all articles and references, including patent applications and publications, are incorporated by reference for all purposes. The omission in the following claims of any aspect of subject matter that is disclosed herein is not a disclaimer of such subject matter, nor should it be regarded that the inventors did not consider such subject matter to be part of the disclosed inventive subject matter.

-   -   2 Paper machine     -   4 Head box     -   6 Breast roll     -   10 Wet end     -   12 Foil sections     -   14 Foil     -   16 Breast Roll Arm     -   18 Main frame     -   20 End plate     -   22 Head box end     -   26 Couch Roll End     -   28 Catwalk     -   30 Deckle board system     -   32 Deckle board     -   34 Seal strip     -   40 Monitoring System     -   42 Control System     -   44 Communication lines (Indirect)     -   46 Communication lines (direct)     -   48 Head box attachment     -   60 Shower system     -   62 Shower bar     -   64 Shower nozzles     -   66A Front Spray     -   66B Rear Spray     -   78 Stand Assembly     -   80 Vertical stand     -   80A Outer tube     -   80B Inner Tube     -   81 Connection device     -   82 Horizontal stand (Bracket)     -   84 Adjustment device (vertical and horizontal)     -   85 Actuator (motor)     -   86 Adjuster     -   88 Movement member     -   94 Stand bracket     -   100 Connection stand     -   101 fasteners     -   102 Pivot plate     -   104 Stand pivot     -   105 Pivot direction     -   106 lock     -   108 Pin     -   110 Connection plate     -   112 Connecting nut     -   114 Connection member     -   116 Gear Box     -   118 Drive shaft     -   120 Machine direction     -   122 Cross machine direction     -   130 Vertical     -   132 Direction of rotation     -   140 Support assembly     -   141 Support leg     -   142 Support Pivot     -   144 Support bracket     -   146 Adjustment support     -   148 Support foot     -   150 Locking sleeve     -   160 Controls     -   162 Transmission lines     -   180 Observation slots     -   200 Stops     -   D Distance     -   202 Upper stop     -   204 Lower stop     -   206 Stop support 

We claim: 1) A deckle board system comprising: a. one or more deckle boards; b. one or more shower systems; c. one or more stand assemblies that supports both the one or more deckle board and the one or more shower systems, and d. one or more support assemblies that support the one or more deckle board, one or more shower systems, or both at a location off of a paper machine so that the one or more deckle board, the one or more shower systems, or both are movable from an assembled position to a maintenance position. 2) The deckle board system of claim 1, wherein one or more support assemblies allows the one or more deckle boards, the one or more shower systems, or both to be moved between the assembled position and the maintenance position without any assembly or disassembly to the one or more deckle boards, the one or more shower systems, or both. 3) The deckle board system of claim 1, wherein the one or more stand assemblies and the one or more support assemblies are connected together and the one or more support assemblies support the one or more stand assemblies when the one or more deckle boards, the one or more shower systems, or both are moved into the maintenance position. 4) The deckle board system of claim 1, wherein the one or more stand assemblies and the one or more support assemblies are connected by an adjustment support. 5) The deckle board system of claim 1, wherein the one or more stand assemblies contact a cat walk of a paper machine, a main frame, or both when the deckle board system is in the maintenance position. 6) The deckle board system of claim 1, wherein the support assembly includes a support leg, a support foot, and an adjustment support that moves the support foot relative to the support leg. 7) The deckle board system of claim 6, wherein the support leg moves about a support pivot from the assembled position to the maintenance position. 8) The deckle board system of claim 1, wherein a support pivot is located between and connects a horizontal stand of the support stand to a support leg of the support assembly. 9) The deckle board system of claim 8, wherein the support leg and the horizontal stand are aligned in the maintenance position and out of alignment in the assembled position. 10) The deckle board system of claim 9, wherein the support assembly includes a locking sleeve that slides over the support pivot when the horizontal stand and the support leg are aligned so that the support leg is locked to support the one or more deckle boards, the one or more shower systems, or both. 11) The deckle board system of claim 1, wherein the support assembly includes a support leg and a gear box that receives the support leg so that upon movement of the support leg relative to the gear box the support assembly moves between the assembled position and the maintenance position. 12) The deckle board system of claim 11, wherein the gear box includes a drive shaft that moves the support leg. 13) The deckle board system of claim 12, wherein the drive shaft is a rotary to linear actuator, the support leg is threaded, or both. 14) The deckle board system of claim 12, wherein the gear box is connected to the paper machine, the main frame, or both. 15) The deckle board system of claim 11, wherein the actuator system is free of a support foot, the actuator system is free of contact with a cat walk in the maintenance position, or both. 16) The deckle board system of claim 14, wherein the support assembly is supported by the main frame when the deckle board system is in the maintenance position. 17) The deckle board system of claim 1, wherein the deckle board system includes a connection stand that connects the deckle board system to a paper machine. 18) The deckle board system of claim 17, wherein the connection stand is rotatable about a stand pivot so that the deckle board system is movable between an assembled position and a maintenance position. 19) The deckle board system of claim 17, wherein the connection stand is connected to the paper machine via a connection plate and the connection plate is connected to a pivot plate via the stand pivot. 20) The deckle board system of claim 17, wherein the connection stand includes one or more locks that restrict movement of the pivot plate so that the deckle board system is maintained in the assembled position and permit movement of the pivot plate when the one or more locks are turned off so that the connection stand may be moved to the maintenance position. 